EU Council chief pledges support for Cyprus peace talks

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — European Council President Donald Tusk says the EU is ready to provide any practical support to talks aimed at reunifying ethnically divided Cyprus — an opportunity for peace that "shouldn't be missed."

Speaking Friday after talks with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, Tusk said he's "ready to do whatever it takes" to seize the chance for a peace accord ending the island's 41-year-old division.

Tusk said he sees "a real chance" for a deal because of the commitment both Anastasiades and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have demonstrated.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup to unite the island with Greece. A peace deal would unlock regional cooperation on the eastern Mediterranean's energy potential and bring some stability to a conflict-wracked region.